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Prostatitis - chronic

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Symptoms:
  • History of recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Low-grade or subtle symptoms may include:
  • Recurrent low-grade fever
  • Pain on urination
  • Decreased urinary stream
  • Urinary hesitancy (delayed start of urination)
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Incontinence
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Signs and tests:

A physical examination may reveal an enlarged, mildly tender prostate. The examination may reveal enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin area, scrotal swelling and tenderness, and a urethral discharge.

Triple-void urine specimens may be collected for urinalysis and urine culture:

  • #1 -- initial stream
  • #2 -- midstream
  • #3 -- after prostatic massage by examiner

A urinalysis reveals increased white blood cells (WBCs) and bacterial growth upon culture of urine #3. Culture of prostatic secretions shows in increased levels of WBCs and more concentrated bacterial growth.

A semen analysis may also show increased numbers of white blood cells and decreased numbers of sperm, with poor motility.

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy
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